Marans Thread - breed discussion & pictures are welcome!

[DMRippy]

Quote: All eggs have a bloom, it is a protective coating to prevent anything from getting into the egg. It is a protective measure for the chicks to develop. Some chickens, Marans included, put TOO much bloom on the eggs. Usually they will not hatch........

 

[Wynette]

I hear ya on that. I think that's where it helps that I have quite a few pens set up for breeding and have other breeds in several color varieties to keep me busy when I'm experiencing a set back in one of them. The Marans by far tho are the most rewarding when I see good visible progress. I do believe the birchens will be the ones that hold me up longer, but I don't mind. They are more than worth it to me. Plus, the progress I'm seeing in over type, size, and overall attributes in the Marans in general (particularly in the Coppers), is enough to keep me in them for a long, long time.

It's funny you say this, about having other breeds to keep you busy when you're in a frustrating stretch with the Marans. That my Jersey Giants, and I've said that same thing to many folks in the past! My Giants are so much more predictable, it's nice to have a breed that only needs "tweaking" each generation, and I go to them & focus on them for awhile when I'm frustrated with my Marans. It does help! Then, I can sort of look back to the Marans with somewhat "fresh" eyes.

Was trying to quote Math's song here, sorry, didn't work. Was just going to say that you crack me up, woman!

 

[aceschix]

Hi Marans friends,

Now remember that we have already established that I am not a photographer....

I have moved the #1 keeper Birchen roo (the one that does not have the cream coloration) he is growing his tail back now that he is away from the back up roo.

Since I did a "photo shoot" of my breeds I thought I would share. I think he is coming along. He came from a nice dark egg almost a 5.

He really is beefy!! My daughter calls him "beafcake"

Thoughts?






This was an older pic, same roo better light, less tail

 

[gilavina]

It's funny you say this, about having other breeds to keep you busy when you're in a frustrating stretch with the Marans. That my Jersey Giants, and I've said that same thing to many folks in the past! My Giants are so much more predictable, it's nice to have a breed that only needs "tweaking" each generation, and I go to them & focus on them for awhile when I'm frustrated with my Marans. It does help! Then, I can sort of look back to the Marans with somewhat "fresh" eyes.

Was trying to quote Math's song here, sorry, didn't work. Was just going to say that you crack me up, woman!

Its very true, the other thing I believe is true is that having other breeds and learning to breed those to their SOP as well, helps to get a larger understanding of the components of a good bird regardless of the breed. There is an adaptability that comes with it as well, being able to pretty well navigate most breeds just based on that framework of knowledge, where it is less about book smarts and more about workable knowledge that just flows. It helps to keep from getting into a rut of breeding birds and problem solve more effectively. That being said, I do think having too many breeds can be a detriment as they are a labor intensive hobby and can quickly become overwhelming. Its all that fine balance act stuff.

 

[gilavina]

Hi Marans friends,

Now remember that we have already established that i am not a photographer....

I have moved the #1 keeper Birchen roo (the one that does not have the cream coloration) he is growing his tail back now that he is away from the back up roo.

He really is beefy!! My daughter calls him "beafcake"

Thoughts?






This was an older pic, same roo better light, less tail

How old is this male? And have you used him for mating yet? Just curious about what you are getting out of him.

 

[aceschix]

Quote: He is from a Late April early May hatch. I would need to check the date at home. So 7 months anyway.

No I will be testing him this breeding season. i try not to hatch until January. DH does not like chicks in the house any longwer than neccessary. I have 4 hens that I am planning to test mate him to. Results to come....

What are you seeing that is making you curious? Your eye is much more trained than mine.

 

[gilavina]

No I will be testing him this breeding season. i try not to hatch until January. DH does not like chicks in the house any longwer than neccessary. I have 4 hens that I am planning to test mate him to. Results to come....

What are you seeing that is making you curious? Your eye is much more trained than mine.

Some parts about him I like, other parts I'm not such a fan of. I don't particularly like his backline, but bred to the right female should give you at least some chicks that will have better overall type. I think if you are very selective on the offspring, you will have some good birds moving forward.

 

[pinkchick]

Geez! A girl can't catch up with this thread!

 

[gilavina]

Geez! A girl can't catch up with this thread!

Mornin lady! Have you gotten a chance to see the blue coppers I posted the other day?

 

[Wynette]

Geez! A girl can't catch up with this thread!